Loan repay enforcement system

ABSTRACT

A system to encourage on time repayment of loans includes electronic apparatus coupled to a critical system of certain equipment; for example, the ignition system of an automobile. Apparatus includes mechanism whereby a user-operator is able to enter a code. Entry of a correct code serves as indication that a payment has been made and enables further use of the equipment. On failure to timely make payments, a user is prevented from using the equipment as the apparatus is arranged to disable the equipment by way of the critical system to which it is coupled. Both a user-operator interface and critical system interruption circuit are coupled to a logic processor which is easily mounted onto equipment subject to the program.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.10/804,872, entitled “Loan Repay Enforcement System”, filed Mar. 19,2004, which is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/634,916,entitled “Loan Repay Enforcement System”, filed Aug. 9, 2000, which is aContinuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/371,697, filed Aug. 10,1999 entitled “Loan Repay Enforcement System”, each of which areincorporated by reference here in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field

The following invention disclosure is generally concerned withelectronic systems for disabling equipment in response to failure tomake timely payments on a corresponding loan.

2. Prior Art

Systems have been introduced to interrupt the ignition system of anautomobile on a regular, timed interval. To re-enable the car, a user isrequired return to a payment center, make a payment, and have an agentreset the interrupt mechanism for a renewed timed interval. The systemcan only be reset by an authorized agent as it requires a key held inescrow at the payment center. While the system is effective inencouraging customers to repay their auto loans in timely fashion, ithas extreme overhead considerations. The system requires a customer totravel to the payment center each payment period of the loan. Of course,this prevents the user from taking extended travel without first makingan advanced payment. In addition, a user must arrive at the paymentcenter during the hours in which it is open. Still further, a user mustwait to receive the attention of the agent. As these problems poseconsiderable inconvenience, these systems suffer from limited utility.It is desirable to automate the reset process so a user is not requiredto travel to a payment center.

Monthly payments to utility companies are made with very highreliability. This is partly due to the threat of service cut-off.Failure to pay a phone bill, will result in loss of telephone services.Thus, phone bills are paid regularly because failure to do so hasimmediate and tangible results. Monthly payments on an automobile loanare not likely to be as regular. Although a car may be repossessed, theprocess is expensive and complex and thus the threat of doing so is lessimmediate than telephone service cut-off. To encourage reliable loanre-payments, it is desirable to have a ‘service’ cut-off for equipmentrelated to loans.

Techniques have been discovered which provide very novel uses ofautomobile ignition interruption systems, particularly with respect tothose which may be reset with minimal intrusion and burden upon a user'sfreedom. While systems and inventions of the art are designed to achieveparticular goals and objectives, some of those being no less thanremarkable, these inventions have limitations which prevent their use innew ways now possible. These inventions are not used and cannot be usedto realize the advantages and objectives of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Comes now, Frank Simon, Mike Simon, and Ron Mueller with an invention ofa loan repayment system including devices for and methods ofinterrupting a critical system of equipment in response to failure tomake timely payments.

A critical system interruption circuit in communication with a logicprocessing unit operates to disable and enable equipment in response toloan payments being timely made. When a user makes a payment on anoutstanding loan, usually a loan related to the equipment, a logicprocessor is notified of the action. The logic processor drives a switchcoupled to a critical system interruption means to enable or disable theequipment in accordance with payment receipt.

In some preferred versions, when a user makes a payment on anoutstanding car loan, a code is released to the user. The user thenoperates a user-operator interface connected to a logic processing unitto convey the code. Once the code is verified, the logic processing unitmanipulates the automobile ignition interruption circuit to enable thecar.

In example, an ignition interruption circuit is arranged to disable andenable an automobile in response to loan payments being timely made.When a user makes a loan payment, the code is released to the user froma payment center. The user operates a user interface to convey the codeto a logic processing unit. Upon verification, the logic processing unitoperates an interruption circuit to enable the automobile for furtheruse. Thus it becomes possible to interrupt service of equipment inresponse to failure to timely receive payments on a loan associated withthe equipment.

In agreement, apparatus of the invention include: a critical systeminterruption circuit operable for enabling and disabling a criticalsystem of certain equipment; a logic processing unit having a referencecode generation and storage facility and comparator. And in someversions, a user interface operable for receiving a numeric code from auser and conveying that numeric code to the logic processing unit isincluded.

Methods of the invention may be summarized as those which include thesteps: computing a payment due deadline, generating a reference codewhich corresponds to the deadline, receiving a code at a logicprocessing unit, comparing the received code to the reference code,disabling a critical system if a correct code is not received before apresent time exceeds a payment due deadline; enabling a critical systemon receipt of correct code; and computing subsequent payment duedeadline and generating a reference code which corresponds to thesubsequent deadline.

In some preferred uses of systems of the invention, a user who purchasesa car from a dealer agrees to have the system installed on the purchasedautomobile to protect the lender from late payments on an outstandingloan. On initiation, parameters which relate to loan terms, for exampletotal number of payments and payment interval, are loaded into a systemmemory from a server unit. The logic processing unit computes a deadlinetime which corresponds to the due date and time for receipt of apayment. When a user makes a payment on time in agreement with loanterms, the payment agency releases a predetermined alpha-numeric code tothe user. The user then enters the code via a user interface so that thelogic processing unit can process the code for verification. If the codematches a reference code stored or generated within the device, then thelogic processing unit puts the ignition interruption circuit in a statewhich enables the car's ignition system. A user who fails to make apayment will not receive the code necessary to ‘unlock’ the system. Ifthe user fails to enter the proper code by the time the deadline passes,the car is put into a disabled state by way of interruption of theignition until payment is made. Thus the logic processing unit isprovided an indication that timely payment was made via receipt of acorrect code.

The invention thus stands in contrast to methods and devices known. Theinvention includes a critical system interruption mechanism which can beoperated without being returned to the payment center. Systems of theart require returning to a payment center.

OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION

It is a primary object of the invention to provide systems to improvetimely repayment of a loan.

It is an object of the invention to provide a system which can beoperated without having to bring equipment to a predetermined location.

It is an object of the invention to provide systems to enable anddisable equipment in response to receipt of loan payments.

It is a further object to provide systems which interrupt a criticalsystem of equipment in response to a failure to receive a code in duetime.

A better understanding can be had with reference to the detaileddescription of preferred embodiments and with reference to appendeddrawings. These embodiments represent particular ways to realize theinvention and are not inclusive of all ways possible. Therefore, theremay exist embodiments that do not deviate from the spirit and scope ofthis disclosure as set forth by the claims, but do not appear here asspecific examples. It will be appreciated that a great plurality ofalternative versions are possible.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the presentinvention will become better understood with regard to the followingdescription, appended claims and drawings where:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram which describes arrangement of elements in anapparatus of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram which describes arrangement of steps in amethod of the invention; and

FIG. 3 is a block diagram which relates methods and apparatus together.

GLOSSARY

Throughout this disclosure, reference is made to some terms which may ormay not be exactly defined in popular dictionaries as they are definedhere. To provide more precise disclosure, the following definition ofterms are presented with a view to clarity so that the true breadth andscope may be more readily appreciated. Although every attempt is made tobe precise and thorough, it is a necessary condition that not allmeanings associated with each term can be completely set forth.Accordingly, each term is intended to also include its common meaningwhich may be derived from general usage within pertinent arts or bydictionary meaning. Where the presented definition is in conflict with adictionary or arts definition, one must consider the context of use andliberal discretion to arrive at an intended meaning. One will be welladvised to err on the side of attaching broader meanings to terms usedin order to fully appreciate the depth of the teaching and to understandall intended variations.

Enable/Disable

Use of the word ‘enable’ or ‘disable’ means to cause a system to becomeoperable or to cause a system to become inoperable in a temporaryfashion whereby the state of operability may be toggled therebetweenoperable and inoperable states.

Payment Center

A payment center is a facility for receiving payments and dispensingcodes in response to said receipt of payments. It may be an automatic ora partially automatic system whereby use of a database and dial-upaccess with electronic communication or radio frequency transmission ofcodes is fully anticipated.

Code

‘Code’ refers to any combination of numbers or letters or even symbolswhich may be represented in a digital domain such as in ASCII format;the code being represented in binary facilitates manipulation viacomputer processing means.

Critical System

‘Critical system’ refers to any system or sub-system which is necessaryfor the proper function of some related piece of equipment.

Ignition

‘Ignition’ refers to the entire electrical system of a car and allsystems which support causing ignition in an engine. Although ‘ignition’generally refers to the portion of electronics dedicated causing a sparkto initiate combustion, for purposes of this invention, ‘ignition’ is tobe taken quite broadly. For example, if a car is disabled because a fuelpump is rendered inoperative, or if a door or other security system ismaintained in a locked condition, it is meant that ‘ignition’ isinterrupted. One will appreciate that ignition does not occur when fuelis cut-off thus ignition is interrupted.

Logic Processing Unit

‘Logic processing unit’ refers to any logic processor, microcontroller,microprocessor or other computer type device operable for executingprogram code and performing logic operations without limitation to anyparticular type or class of processor.

Equipment

‘Equipment’ refers to machinery, instruments, and tools, both mechanicaland electronic, which have systems or sub-systems which may be exposedto interruption. Equipment includes things like automobiles; machineryused in factories, such as conveyors and packaging tools; constructiontools such as chain saws and jackhammers; instruments used in researchfacilities such as electron microscopes and spectrometers; andinstruments used in hospitals, such as radiometers and gamma knives.

Automobile

The term ‘automobile’ is intended to include cars, trucks, tractors,cranes, boats, jet-skis, snowmobiles, motorcycles, recreationalvehicles, airplanes et cetera. Each of these types of vehicles iscomprised of an ignition system. Although in various parts of theinvention reference is made to cars, it is to be appreciated that theinvention works equally as well with other types of vehicles and thusautomobile is to be interpreted without limit to cars but rather to anyvehicle having an ignition system.

Nouns which are Functional in Nature or Include the Modifier: “Means”

In addition to the terms described above, for purposes of thisdisclosure full meaning of certain nouns which are functional in nature,a ‘functional noun’, may be more readily appreciated in view of thefollowing note.

A functional noun indicates that something is done, is caused, or simplyoccurs. Many forms of alternates may be used to accomplish the identicalevent. The particular choice of an object may be selected in view of aparticular task at hand, however, in view of other tasks, one may choosea different object where both objects are useful in producing thementioned function. Thus, it is not the object onto which importance beplaced, but rather the function.

The essence of the invention is not changed by any particular choice ofan object. Versions of the invention should not be limited to oneparticular type of object when a functional noun is used. The limitationdescribed by functional noun is met when the function occurs. Therefore,by use of a functional noun it is meant that any conceivable means forcausing the function is part of the invention. Experts will recognizemany thousands of possible ways of accomplishing the identical functionwith alternative objects and it will not serve a further understandingof the invention to attempt to catalogue them. The reader willappreciate that the broadest possible definition of a functional noun isintended here. The following are examples of nouns used herein which arefunctional in nature:

Reference Code Providing Means

A reference code providing means is an device which provides a referencecode to a logic control processor. It may be a simple array of numbersstored in conventional memory or may be program code which executes analgorithm to generate a reference code to be provided.

Comparison Means (Comparator)

A comparison means, herein ‘comparator’, is a device for comparing afirst code to a second code and returning a binary result in agreementwith the comparison. The comparison may be one which tests forcoincidence between codes or one which tests for cooperation betweencodes. For example, if the codes are identical a binary ‘1’ can bereturned or if the codes are different but merely cooperate under somerule, a binary ‘1’ can be returned.

Interface Means

An ‘interface means’, herein ‘user interface’, is a device which allowsa user to transmit to a logic processor a code.

Interruption Means

An ‘interruption means’, herein ‘ignition interruption circuit’ or‘ignition interruption mechanism’, is a device which causes interruptionof critical systems of equipment.

Terms which are functional in nature like those above may be usedthroughout this disclosure including the claims. For example, ‘meansfor’ or ‘step for’ followed by a phrase describing a function. Oneshould remain mindful that any particular object provided as an exampleis not meant to limit the functional noun to that example but rather theexample is provided to further illustrate certain preferredpossibilities. Thus the ‘means for’ or ‘step for’ should not be limitedto any particular structure which may be called out but rather to anyconceivable means of causing the function described to be effected. Thereader will recognize it is the function to be carried out which is theessence of the invention and many alternative means for causing thefunction to occur may exist without detracting from any combination orcombinations taught as part of the invention.

Although preferred embodiments discussed here in detail are primarilydirected to automobiles, one will appreciate that other types ofequipment may be equally subjected to similar programs intended toprotect a lender. For example, ‘equipment’ may include an airconditioner where a compressor is a critical system which may beinterrupted. Alternatively, equipment may be an elevator having ancontrol module as a critical system. Thus, operation of the elevator canbe controlled in response to on-time loan payments. Any equipment whichexposes a critical system to an interrupt means may be coupled tosystems of this invention whereby operation of the equipment can be heldas encouragement to repay loan payments in accordance with loan terms.Thus the true breadth of the invention should be limited only by theclaims attached hereto without regard for particular examples set forthhere for illustration.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with each of the preferred embodiments of the invention,there is provided apparatus for and methods of a loan repayment system.It will be appreciated that each of the embodiments described includeboth an apparatus and a method and that the apparatus and method of onepreferred embodiment may be different than the apparatus and method ofanother embodiment.

Apparatus of the Invention

With reference to the drawing figures a full and complete appreciationof best modes of the invention can be gained. FIG. 1 illustrates a blockdiagram of basic apparatus of the invention. An automobile 1 having astandard ignition system 2 is in electrical communication with a deviceof this invention. The device comprising: an ignition interruptionmechanism 3; in communication with a logic processing unit 4; includinga reference code providing means 5, a comparator 6, and a memory 7; isfurther in communication with a user interface 8. A payment center 9which provides codes to a user is also depicted. Although the automobileand payment center are not considered elements of apparatus taught here,they relate intimately therewith thus they are shown via theirrelationship with elements of apparatus.

Critical System Interruption Circuit

An ignition interruption circuit may be coupled to ignition wiresleading from a standard ignition keyswitch. In simplest terms, theignition interruption mechanism may be described as a circuit breakingswitch. Arranged serially, either switch, the keyswitch or the ignitioninterruption mechanism, will operate to cause an open circuit in theignition primary rendering the ignition disabled. An ignitioninterruption circuit is further in communication with a logic processingunit. The logic processing unit operates the ignition interruptioncircuit in accordance with events which occur there. The logicprocessing unit generates commands to direct the ignition interruptioncircuit to take either of two alternative states. A ‘disabled’ statecorresponds to an ‘open’ ignition circuit while an ‘enabled’ statecorresponds to a ‘closed’ ignition circuit. The logic processing unitcauses the ignition interruption circuit to switch between these twostates.

User Interface

A user interface is coupled to the logic processing unit in order toconvey to it a code. An alpha-numeric type code such as a PIN number forexample, may be transmitted from the user interface to the logicprocessing unit for comparison to a reference code. While preferredversions of the invention include a simple keypad for tactile entry of anumeric code by a user, other versions are possible. Tumbler combinationlocks, slider element devices, and point-and-click user interfaces allare examples of alternative forms of user interfaces. A user interfaceis provided to allow a user to convey a code to a computer. Accordingly,use of an alternative user interface will not lend novelty to anyversion of an apparatus not explicitly presented here. A user interfaceallows a user in communication with a payment center to receive codestherefrom and cause those codes to be entered and transmitted to thelogic processing unit for comparison.

Logic Processing Unit

A logic processing unit may be a microcontroller of a standard sortsometimes referred to as ‘off-the-shelf’ devices or alternatively may bea custom designed microcircuit having specific application. Althoughstrictly speaking a ‘logic processing unit’ may be distinct from supportelements such as a memory, for purposes of this disclosure ‘logicprocessing unit’ is used to refer to the entire computing facility whichmay include a memory, a comparator and other support elements. FIG. 1shows this relationship where a reference code providing means 5 and acomparator 6 are presented within the bounds of the microcontroller 4.The logic processing unit may include other support elements such aspower supply control, read-only memory, input-output facility, and otherelements typically used in conjunction with microcontrollers ormicroprocessors. Logic processing units of the invention are set toexecute code which is predetermined at an initialization step. As thepreset code is not dynamic, the logic processing unit is not considereda user-programmable device. Its purpose is to execute coded instructionswhich enable the functionality described herein this disclosure.

A grace period may be included as part of the deadline for payment.Under terms of the loan, a payment becomes due at some discrete time.However, because of inconsistencies in the mails or other paymenttransmission difficulties, systems of the invention may be arranged toprovide a grace period. A grace period allows equipment to operatenormally after the time for payment has past but where no payment hasbeen received, recorded, and reported via entry of a code. During thegrace period, various indications and warnings may be provided to a userat the equipment. For example, a display may be arranged to deliver amessage which indicates impending interruption. Alternatively, an audiosignal may be provided to alert a user to the condition that payment isoverdue.

One will appreciate that in rare cases of emergency, provision foroverride may be useful. For example, if a car is disabled for lack oftimely payment, then a special code to be used only in case of emergencymay temporarily re-enable the car. Thus a person in dire need of medicalhelp may be transported with an otherwise disabled car when theemergency code is employed. By agreement, one can be charged heavy finesfor misuse of emergency codes. In this way, non-emergency use is highlydiscouraged. The system is made secure against use outside designedlimits while still accommodating occasional emergencies.

Fraudulent attempts to enable equipment may be accompanied bysurreptitious entry of random codes. This may easily be detected at thelogic processor and devices of the invention may be arranged to respond.When a predetermined number of bad code entries is detected, the systemmay be made to block further entry of codes. For example, when threeconsecutive bad codes are attempted, the system can be made to ignorefurther entry for a predetermined amount of time.

Some alternative versions of the invention omit use of a user interface.Where stationary equipment can easily be put into automaticcommunication with a payment center, for example via a simple telephoneline connection, a user interface may be replaced by a modem andtelephone line. The logic processing unit can then receive transmissionof codes directly from the payment center without user input whatever.One will appreciate that there is nothing sacred about a telephone linehook-up and other communication means may work in similar fashion.Paging technology which transmits messages by radio frequency also workswell. Equipment having a pager in communication with a logic processorunit could receive codes to activate the systems. Thus, any means ofconveying a code from a payment center to a piece of equipment should beconsidered as part of the invention.

Methods of the Invention

With reference to drawing FIG. 2, preferred methods of the inventioninclude a step to compute a plurality of payment deadlines 21. Inagreement with repayment terms of an automobile loan, a plurality ofdeadlines for receipt of payments is provided. Information relating todate and time of loan initialization, lifetime of the loan, total numberof payments to be made, payment frequency, grace period, emergencyoverride code, and perhaps other information (i.e. re-enable, resetprocedures), is used for computing payment deadlines. A payment deadlinerepresents the time by which a payment must be received at a paymentcenter in order that the terms of the loan be met. Payment deadlines maybe computed at initialization of the (loan) system or may be computed atvarious times thereafter initialization. In either case, deadlinescomputed may be used to generate reference codes.

In some versions of the invention, a host/client relationship isestablished with regard to computing facility. A host which may runsoftware appropriate for systems administration can be connected to aclient computing apparatus for downloading of important data like codeschemes and particular deadlines. After initialization operations, thehost may be separated from the client where the client has beenprogrammed with important code information.

A logic processing unit includes facility to provide reference codeswhich correspond to computed deadlines. Algorithms used to generatereference codes are well known to the payment center which suppliescorresponding codes to a user. A careful observer will note that thereference code provider may be arranged to merely store an array ofreference codes generated in a set-up procedure during initialization ofthe system. The reference codes are then periodically recalled from thememory for a comparison step. As an alternative, it is possible togenerate reference codes in real time in agreement with some algorithm.For example, a useful reference code may simply be a number equal to thenumber of days since a predetermined date set at initialization. Ineither case, the reference code providing means of the logic processingunit provides a reference code 22, whether it be from memory or onegenerated in real time, to a comparison means or comparator.

In a parallel step 23, a code may be received from a user. This mayoccur at any time prior to a present payment deadline without causinginterruption of the ignition. A user having made a timely payment, thatpayment having been properly received and logged in the payment center,is entitled disclosure of the code which releases the mechanism fromcausing an interruption. In preferred embodiments, a user mails apayment to the payment center in advance of the deadline. When enoughtime has past for the center to have received and processed the payment,the user can call the payment center on a telephone and identify theloan. In response, the payment center can check its database and verifyreceipt of payment. After verification, the payment center will discloseto the user the code which can be used to release the timed interruptmechanism. Having the code, the user can then enter it via the userinterface of the device. Thus, in methods of the invention, a code froma user is received at a user interface.

A comparison of codes 24 is made in the logic processing unit. Uponreceipt of a code entry from a user, the logic processing unit istriggered to perform a comparison of codes. The reference code whichcorresponds to an immediate payment deadline is compared to the codeentered by the user. Either of two results drives the next step. Ifthere is agreement between the codes, the logic processing unit operatesthe interruption circuit to leave the ignition enabled 25 withoutinterruption. If there is no agreement between the user entered code andthe reference code, then the logic processing unit operates theinterruption circuit to cause the ignition to be disabled 26.

It is important to note that, if agreement exists between the enteredand reference codes, the result of the comparison step sets a positiveindicator in the logic processing unit, which indicator must be presentat the occurrence of the payment deadline to avoid causing the ignitionto be interrupted

FIG. 3 illustrates one preferred version of the entire system with moreprecision where steps of methods are shown in their relationships withelements of devices. A user 31 causes a payment to be transmitted 32 toa payment center 33 where it is received and logged into records. Inresponse to receipt of that payment, the payment center dispenses 34 apredetermined code to the user. The user then enters 35 the code viatactile entry upon a user interface 36 such as a simple keypad device.The user interface conveys 37 the code to the comparator portion of alogic processing unit 38. A reference code provider 39 provides 310 areference code to the comparator 311. A comparison operation 312 is madeto arrive at either of two distinct results. Either agreement is foundwith regard to the reference code and the code entered by the user, orno agreement is found. In the case of agreement, a reset operation 313sends feedback 314 to the reference code provider to determine a newreference code which corresponds to the next payment deadline, while anenable 315 step causes the ignition interruption circuit 316 to beoperated such that the ignition is enabled without regard to its priorstate.

In the case where agreement is not found, an agreement indicator is leftin a negative state. On arrival of a payment due deadline or end of agrace period a check of the state of the indicator is made. If theindicator is in a negative state, the ignition interruption circuit isoperated to cause the ignition to be disabled 319. Devices of theinvention may be coupled to an automobile 320 having a standard ignition321.

In some preferred embodiments, when a payment deadline passes, a graceperiod begins. During the grace period, the user is notified via anindicator, for example a visual or an audio signal, that the graceperiod has been activated. During the grace period, the automobileremains operable and the ignition is not interrupted. However, theindicator serves as a warning of the impending interruption in service.If the grace period is exceeded and proper code has still not beenentered, then the automobile is disabled. This embodiment is considereda mere subset of the above described systems. The grace period being alimited extension of time before interruption of the ignition occurs.

Alternative versions exist where the user interface is made redundantand is omitted entirely. For example, in the case of equipment which isan elevator or air conditioner a user interface can be eliminated andthe system made automatic. A standard phone jack can be installed intothe case of an air conditioner. Complete installation of the airconditioner includes plugging an active phone line into the jack. Inthis way, the logic processor of the air conditioner is put intocommunication with the payment center via a modem. The air conditionercan automatically be put into communication with the payment center on aperiodic basis to receive codes which may be made available in responseto receipt of payments.

One will now fully appreciate how an electronic device is arranged andoperates to encourage timely loan payments by disabling an automobileignition. Further, that the device may be reset remotely and does notrequire being physically present at a loan center to be properly reset.Although the present invention has been described in considerable detailwith clear and concise language and with reference to certain preferredversions thereof including the best mode anticipated by the inventor,other versions are possible. Therefore, the spirit and scope of theinvention should not be limited by the description of the preferredversions contained therein, but rather by the claims appended hereto.

1. A method of disabling a vehicle comprising: initializing a vehicledisablement apparatus by loading a payment interval; receiving a codevia a keypad; comparing the code received via the keypad with areference code; and disabling a system which supports causing ignitionin an engine of the vehicle if, prior to the expiration of the paymentinterval, there is no agreement between the code received via the keypadand the reference code, wherein said system includes only components notdedicated to directly causing a spark to initiate combustion.
 2. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the initializing step further comprises:connecting a host computing apparatus to a client computing apparatus.3. The method of claim 2, wherein the initializing step furthercomprises: providing the client computing apparatus with a databaseincluding a plurality of payment due deadline data elements.
 4. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising: computing a plurality of paymentdue deadlines based on the payment interval.
 5. The method of claim 4,further comprising: receiving another code via the keypad; comparing theanother code with another reference code; and disabling the system whichsupports causing ignition if, prior to the expiration of one of theplurality of payment due deadlines, there is no agreement between thecode received via the keypad and the reference code, wherein thereference code is associated with the one of the plurality of paymentdue deadlines.
 6. A method of disabling a vehicle comprising:initializing a vehicle disablement apparatus by storing a plurality ofreference codes; receiving a code via a keypad; comparing the codereceived via the keypad with the one of the reference codes; anddisabling a system which supports causing ignition in an engine of thevehicle if, prior to the expiration of a payment interval, there is noagreement between the code received via the keypad and the referencecode, wherein said system includes only components not dedicated todirectly causing a spark to initiate combustion.
 7. The method of claim6, wherein the initializing step further comprises: connecting a hostcomputing apparatus to a client computing apparatus.
 8. The method ofclaim 7, wherein the payment interval is loaded during the initializingstep.
 9. The method of claim 6, further comprising: computing aplurality of payment due deadlines based on the payment interval. 10.The method of claim 9, further comprising: receiving another code viathe keypad; comparing the another code with another reference code; anddisabling the system which supports causing ignition if, prior to theexpiration of one of the plurality of payment due deadlines, there is noagreement between the code received via the keypad and the referencecode, wherein the reference code is associated with the one of theplurality of payment due deadlines.
 11. An apparatus for disabling avehicle comprising: a memory which is loaded with a payment intervalduring initialization of the apparatus; a keypad which a receives code;a processor which compares the received code with a reference code; andan interruption circuit which disables a system which supports causingignition in an engine of the vehicle if there is no agreement betweenthe received code and the reference code prior to the expiration of theinterval, wherein said system includes only components not dedicated todirectly causing a spark to initiate combustion.
 12. The apparatus ofclaim 11, further comprising: a connector which connects a hostcomputing apparatus to a client computing apparatus for initialization.13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the memory stores a databaseincluding a plurality of payment due deadline data elements provided bythe host computing apparatus.
 14. The apparatus of claim 11, theprocessor computes a plurality of payment due deadlines based on thepayment interval.